WASHINGTON, July 28, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today an investment of over $21.8 million to 1890 Land-grant Institutions to support research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities at our nation’s Land-grant University System.

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2021 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the launch of its first ever Alexa skill, a digital tool for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers between four and 24 months old. Families who use the MyPlate Alexa skill receive nutrition information on what and how to feed their child based on their age.

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is investing $14 million in rural economic development projects (PDF, 148 KB) in 10 states.

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2021 — Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Adrienne Wojciechowski as Assistant Secretary of Congressional Relations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $16.6 million in available funding to community-based and nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal entities that help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program).

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold key staff positions in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing up to $200 million to provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have experienced losses due to COVID-19 as part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Loggers and truckers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 22 through Oct. 15, 2021. The Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program (PATHH) is administered by FSA in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today a new Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy to help support a diverse economy, enhance community resilience, and conserve natural resources.

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $12 million in Farm to School Grants this year, announcing awards to 176 grantees, the most projects funded since the program began in 2013. The department is also releasing new data demonstrating the recent growth of farm to school efforts nationwide.

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2021 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers and residents affected by Tropical Storm Elsa – the fifth named storm in what has already been a very active hurricane season. USDA staff in offices across the country are ready to respond with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to producers and communities in need.